3. Wylie

Pet name (and nicknames): Wylie (Wild Wylie, Wild Man, Bubby, Bubs)

Interesting story behind your pet’s name or nickname: When we first brought him home, his name was Bruce, but that just didn’t match his wild, mischievous vibe. So, we thought, why not call him Wylie—like Wile E. Coyote, always up to something crazy.

Pet’s date of birth: 7/23/2016

Pet’s gender: Male

Is your pet spayed or neutered: Yes

Pet’s breed: English Springer Spaniel

Physical description: 50 lbs,, white with liver/brown markings

How long have you had your pet: Since October 2016

If adopted, how did you come to adopt your pet: He was a Stone Crab Festival Auction Dog. We didn’t win him, but the person who did woke up the next day and realized it was a mistake. So, they called us—the second highest bidder—and handed him over.

Favorite food/treats: Not food driven—very tennis ball driven

Tell us about your pet’s personality: Wylie is a ball of energy. He’s always on the go, constantly curious and ready to explore. Super smart, too—he picks up on things so quickly, from new tricks to understanding our routines. But what really sets him apart is how loving he is. He’s always by our side, ready for cuddles or a good play session. And the funniest part? He’s incredibly aware of the little things—like the tiniest sound or a change in the room, things most dogs would totally miss. He’s always in tune with everything around him.

What makes your pet happy: Wylie’s happiest when he’s with his humans—he loves being right in the mix of whatever we’re doing. But nothing beats his No. 1 joy: chasing a tennis ball on the beach. He’s like a rocket, darting after it with pure excitement. And when he’s not doing that, you’ll find him digging for crabs, his little paws working overtime as he hunts for his next treasure. It’s all about adventure, fun, and being surrounded by the people he loves.

What is unique about your pet: What makes Wylie unique is his incredible combination of energy, smarts, and sensitivity. He’s like a little detective—always noticing the smallest details, whether it’s a shift in the air or the tiniest sound. He has this special way of connecting with people, always knowing when someone needs a cuddle or when it’s time to play. There’s never a dull moment with Wylie around.

Please tell us about any of your pet’s unusual characteristics or special talents: Wylie may be a bird dog at heart, with a natural instinct for chasing and retrieving, but he’s got a big soft spot—he’s absolutely terrified of thunderstorms, lightning, and fireworks. It’s funny because he’s all tough and adventurous in the great outdoors, but the sound of a storm sends him running for cover. Despite his fearless outdoor nature, he becomes a total cuddle bug, looking for comfort whenever the skies get stormy. It’s his one vulnerability, and it just makes us love him even more.

Please share a heartwarming story: Wylie was truly meant to be ours. It all started at the Stone Crab Festival Auction in 2016. At the time, we had a sweet 13-year-old dachshund named Emma Lou. We thought she might enjoy having a companion, so we decided to bid on “Bruce” (whom we renamed Wylie), the adorable dog up for auction. We didn’t win him, though—we came in second place. But the people who won him woke up the next day and realized they had made a mistake. So, they called us, and just like that, Wylie was ours.

Wylie and Emma Lou became the best of friends, and their bond was instant. They were inseparable, bringing so much joy and warmth to our lives. Sadly, Emma Lou got sick and passed away just five months later. During that tough time, we were beyond grateful to have Wylie by our side. His playful energy and loving nature helped us heal, and he was there to comfort us through the loss. We truly believe Wylie came into our lives at the perfect moment, and we’ll always cherish the role he played in helping us through such a bittersweet time.

What makes your pet special to you and your family: Wylie is special to our family because he’s more than just a pet—he’s a source of joy, comfort, and love. His boundless energy fills our home with excitement, and his intuitive nature makes him so in tune with our emotions. Whether it’s his playful antics or his gentle companionship, Wylie has a unique way of making every day brighter. Wylie has truly become a part of the heart and soul of our family.

He’s also got a serious case of FOMO (fear of missing out). Wylie loves to go anywhere his humans go—whether it’s the bathroom, the gas station, or the grocery store. But his absolute favorite place to be is at Beeda and Papa’s, especially seeing his best buddy, Marley. Wherever we go, he’s right there, making every moment more fun and memorable.

Why should your pet be Tally Top Pet: We think Wylie should be crowned the Tally Top Pet because he’s not just a pet—he’s an absolute character. From his endless energy chasing tennis balls on the beach to his gentle, loving nature with our family, Wylie is always the life of the party. His quirky sensitivity, like being a brave adventurer one moment and a cuddle bug the next, makes him stand out. He’s been there for us through thick and thin. Wylie is the kind of dog who brings light and love wherever he goes, and he’s got a heart as big as his personality.